Machias Seal Island, Maine

One of the more memorable birding trips I have taken to date! I was looking for a birding location within driving distance and came across all the write ups on Machias Seal Island. Although it wasn't as close as I would have liked it to be, I knew that this is the only way I could get close to Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills. So off I went!

I drove up to Moosehorn NWR (a 12 hour ride from my hometown in South Jersey) and after a couple of days of birding I came down to Jonesport, Maine. I had made reservations over the phone with Capt. John E. Norton and was scheduled to depart for Machias Seal Island on the morning of July 6th.

I was very apprehensive about the 90 minute ride. The only time I did not get sick on a boat, was when I went on a cruise with a boat that was bigger than Manhattan. From the research I did on the net, I knew the boat I was getting on this time was not as big to say the least. I took as much Dramamine as I could without having an overdose and prayed for the best.

We left at 7:00am and from time to time we were able to view a number of sea birds (mainly Shearwaters and Storm-Petrels). I attempted to take pictures of them but after the second attempt I knew that I better sit down and look out in the distance. It was time to start eating crackers. I noticed people who were sitting next to me were no longer as close... Luckily, the captain spotted a whale and slowed down which helped me a great deal. Well I was brave and lucky and I did make it to the Island safe and sound.

The Island was teaming with life. Thousands of birds were coming and going. We were the first group to get into the blinds (5 people to each blind) and we were given 90 minutes. What an amazing time!! As you can see from the photos, the birds were within a few feet and they provided us with some great photo ops. Unfortunately, since we were the first group to go into the blinds, we did not get a chance to stay at the Island any longer so I did not get a chance to take many photos of Arctic Tern.

This is definitely a must for any birder that can get to Maine. I am going back there in the very near future for sure!